Emergency Management Director: Donnie McMannes
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HURRICANE PREPARATION FACTS

Hurricanes are part living on the Texas Gulf Coast. If you live in the Humble area there are facts you should know about the possible effects of a hurri- cane.

1. Humble is not in an area affected by storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico. There are areas in the City Limits susceptible to flooding from the San Jacinto River and Garners Bayou due to heavy rains. Many areas in the City Limits have experienced flooding from localized heavy rains. Hurricanes or tropical storms often produce heavy rain. If you live in an area that has experienced flooding in the past, you should plan to move to a local shelter or evacuate the area. The adage “run from water and hide from wind” is certainly appropriate in this area.

2.

If the worse case scenario, a category 5 hurricane hits the coast and moved directly into your area, sustained wind speeds should reach no more than 120 mph. A category 3 hurricane will produce sustained winds of 80 to 90 mph. Well built structures equipped

with

hurricane

ties

will

withstand

such

wind

without

catastrophic

damage.

Mobile

homes may not survive these wind levels. If you reside sure your home will withstand predicted winds, or fear

in a mobile home, you are damage from falling trees

un- you

should plan to move to a safe location.

3. The City of Humble will open local shelters in wind resistant buildings for the period of the storm. Information regarding shelter locations will be available through the media, by telephone, and this web site. It should be noted that during a hurricane there is a

heightened risk of tornadoes which can catastrophically damage the strongest above ground buildings. Evacuation to safe areas in other parts of the state is an option. If you wish to evacuate you must pre-plan. Highly populated areas south and east of Humble which are affected by storm surge may be forced to evacuate 72 hours prior to a hurri- cane making landfall. During this 72 hour period it is likely that evacuation routes will be clogged. Travel at an average of 5 mph is likely. Travel times of 24 hours or longer to Dallas or Austin will likely be normal. Fuel, food, or shelter may not be available. If you

wish to evacuate during a hurricane you should prepare to leave at the first report of the possibility a hurricane may strike the area. You should prepare to remain away for sev- eral weeks. Fuel and food may be in short supply prior to mandated evacuations as well as during and after a hurricane. Be sure your vehicle has at least twice the fuel normally required to reach your destination and you have an ample supply of food, medications and water.